hayseed

[ hey-seed ]

noun

1. grass seed, especially that shaken out of hay.
2. small bits of the chaff, straw, etc., of hay.
3. an unsophisticated person from a rural area; yokel; hick.

hayseed

/ ˈheɪˌsiːd /

noun

1. seeds or fragments of grass or straw
2. informal.
   a yokel

Word History and Origins

Origin of hayseed¹

First recorded in 1570–80; hay + seed

Example Sentences

"Bully for you, old Hayseed," said the man who had wanted to whip any man in the right wing of the army.

From Project Gutenberg

"I won't take no slack from no old Wabash hayseed like you," responded the teamster cordially.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he appears again, in damaged homespun, combs the hayseed out of his hair, and takes a pilot-house berth for the winter.

From Project Gutenberg

And he said, I dont see why it is those hayseed politicians up in Albany want to come down here and bother us honest men.

From Project Gutenberg

He was for a while a typical hayseed, an expert reaper, ready to match himself against all comers.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• boor